AliExpress said on Monday it worked with the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) to conduct pre-emptive safety tests on major product categories for which demand for cross-border direct purchases rises in spring. The move aims to tighten management standards for such products and check the safety of items distributed on its platform.

The inspection covered 136 products with strong spring demand, including children’s school supplies and toys, back-to-school items and seasonal clothing. Seven certified domestic testing institutions participated: KTR, KCL, KTC, KATRI, KOTITI, FITI and SGS. They comprehensively assessed physical safety risks that could arise during actual use and whether products contained hazardous substances.

The company said the tests found 118 products, about 87% of the total, met domestic safety standards. For 18 products that fell short, it immediately halted sales and took follow-up steps to block relisting on the platform so the same products would not be distributed again.

The inspection was conducted as part of a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2024 by AliExpress and the Korea Importers Association. It aims to continuously upgrade the platform’s product management system based on cooperation with a private association and testing institutions.

AliExpress said it plans to continue regular safety tests with the Korea Importers Association for cross-border direct purchase products with high seasonal demand. It will strengthen a preventive safety management system to protect consumers.

An AliExpress official said, "Through cooperation with the Korea Importers Association, we are conducting pre-emptive safety tests on key seasonal categories and continuously strengthening product management standards to provide a safer shopping environment."